Updated June 17, 2021
Valley Internal Physicians cares for many patients who are elderly, as well as those with significant underlying medical conditions. These are the very populations at highest risk for severe complications from COVID-19 infection. However, hospitalization and mortality rates in our community have continued to decreas significantly. Therefore, we are updating our policies as follows:
- 1. Beginning June 1, appointments will be scheduled as in-person by default. Patients will be given the option to be seen virtually.
- 2. Our waiting room is reopened. All patients entering the office will still be required to wear a mask while in the building. Patients who wish to wait without a mask may do so in their cars and will be called in when ready. Once again, masks will be required when entering the office.
TESTING
- 1. We are not testing for COVID-19 in the office. If the provider feels testing is appropriate, the patient will be directed to a testing location.
- 2. Riverside County residents who do not have symptoms but want to be tested for COVID-19 are able to schedule testing appointments themselves. There are multiple testing locations throughout the county. Those who want to be tested must call (800) 945-6171 for an appointment.
- 3. At-home swab tests are available through LabCorp without a doctor’s order. Visit pixel.labcorp.com for more information.
- 4. Testing for active infection is also available at CVS and Rite Aid. Albertsons offers an at-home test.
- 5. Antibody testing is available for asymptomatic patients or those who may have been exposed. Both LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics offer antibody testing through a blood draw that requires an order from a provider.
VACCINATION
- 1. Due to storage and capacity requirements, we are not offering vaccines at our office.
- 2. There are currently three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) that have received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA.
- 3. Most vaccines are being distributed through County vaccination clinics and local pharmacies. Riverside County’s vaccine registration site can be found at www.rivcoph.org/COVID-19-Vaccine-with-Registration.
- 4. The California Department of Public Health has a website to search for and schedule a vaccination: https://myturn.ca.gov.
This page will be updated regularly. In the meantime, please refer to the following websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information:
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)